A study has shown that some types of the Pill can increase breast cancer
risks. Radhika Sanghani asks why we're all so blinded by the Pill
that we forget the 14 other options

When it comes to contraception, most women think of condoms and the Pill. Studies show that they are the two most common forms of contraception and amongst teenagers, the Pill is now the most popular choice.

It means that the other 13 forms of contraception – yes, there are now a total of 15 – don’t really get a look in.

But the Pill isn't perfect. And while it might be the best option for some women, it isn't for everyone. A recent study showed thatsome contraceptive pills can double the risk of breast cancer. This is only the case for combined pills, containing a high dosage of the hormone oestrogen, and most women will not be affected. But shouldn't it make us Pill-taker ask a few questions?

Why have we been taking the Pill? Is it because it's right for us - or because our mates suggested it years ago? Do we know enough about the other 14 options? Should we branch out?

Professor John Guillebaud, a prominent contraception expert and emeritus Professor of reproductive health at UCL, thinks it’s about time we got over the Pill.

“It’s time to move on,” he says. “We’re in 2014 for heaven’s sake. We have better methods. The Pill has been around for 60 years and it’s developed a kind of cachet of being the thing to do when you want to avoid pregnancy in a way that can be easily controlled.”

He thinks the problem is that women are blindly reaching for the Pill because everyone else is. He also thinks that the word ‘Pill’ is now equated with the word ‘contraception’:

“It’s rather like when you reach for your Dyson and you call it a Hoover.”

This is a particular problem when women visit their GPs. He says: “GPs agree that the problem is the client comes asking for the Pill and in a busy surgery they say OK and just talk about the Pill. What the client really means is, I’m having sex and I don’t want a baby, please advise me on all the other methods. But the time isn’t taken to debate alternatives. It perpetuates a Pill culture.”

Long-lasting options are more effective

Natika Halil, director of health and wellbeing at sexual health charity, the Family Planning Associationthinks this Pill culture originates from our social circles. Women go to the doctor’s surgery asking for the Pill because their friends and family take it. “Your friends are going to be the biggest influencing factor,” she explains.

There are also a number of myths surrounding long-lasting contraception such as the IUD, commonly known as the coil, injection and implants.

“When it comes to the Intrauterine device (IUD) and hormonal intrauterine system (IUS) people think you can only use these after giving birth.," she adds. "A younger personal might not think it’s appropriate for them.”

That isn’t true. Neither is the notion that having the coil put in is incredibly painful for everyone. Professor Guillebaud says: “It’s really not as painful as people might think.”

He explains that long-lasting forms of contraception are proven to be more effective, “mainly because they put you in a state where you can’t have a pregnancy and then when you want one, you take them out. With the Pill the default state is pregnancy and you have to take one every day to avoid it.”

It’s why he thinks that busy, young women who may forget to take the Pill should opt for long-lasting contraception. He particularly recommends it for ‘late restarters’ - women who forget to take their Pill again after the advised seven-day break, which can be particularly risky for pregnancy.

Do your research

Pill popping: there are other options

Halil wants women who take the Pill to question other options.

"Do you know there are other methods available?” she asks. “Does it suit you? It’s so individual. The key with contraception is that it’s a woman’s choice. Our job as professionals is to make them aware of that choice.”

The FPA has an online guidededicated to helping women find out what contraception is right for them, as well as an interactive ‘contraception tool’ that provides personalised information. Women can then print off their results and visit a GP to discuss a range of options – not just the Pill.

“The Pill might completely be the right thing for someone,” she says. “But you don’t want to go to the other extreme and ostracise it. What we want to do is say to women there are other choices for you.”

Not sure whether to stay on the Pill or not? Here are some signs it might not be for you:

1) You’re forgetful

Professor Guillebaud advises that “those who catch themselves forgetting Pills” really should consider a long-lasting option, where you don’t have the responsibility to take it every day.

2) You’re worried about health risks

A recent study showed the Pill could carry some breast cancer risk – although it is proven that the Pill reduces your chance of getting other cancers overall. The oestrogen inside it can also be blamed for breast cancer, so if you're worried, opt for an IUD which doesn’t have any hormones.

3) You’re worried the Pill affects your moods

There are no real conclusive studies on whether the Pill can make women more depressed or irritable. But if this is a concern then talk it through with your GP and explore other options (they usually have a really detailed leaflet, showing every single one).

4) You’ve had an abortion

If you’ve had an abortion, especially while you were on the Pill, then a long-lasting solution might be right for you. Professor Guillebaud suggests that women who have had abortions – especially more than one - should have a contraceptive device fitted into them straight after the procedure.

He says: “[These women] should be asking their provider, please fit me an IUD or a Mirenaat the time.” He says the main benefit is that you’ll be under anaesthetic if you're having a surgical abortion, so you’ll avoid discomfort when having the device fitted.

5) If you are over 35 and smoke

The Pill is not appropriate for women aged over 35 who smoke and GPs will not prescribe it you if that's the case, explains Halil. But there are plenty of other options available for smokers aged 35+.

More information on contraception can be found on the FPA website and if you’re concerned please visit your GP